A walkway has the potential to do so much more than connect separate parts of your property. It can become a defining feature of your landscape, guiding guests to your home, encouraging movement through a garden, or creating a smooth, natural transition from one outdoor space to another. Choosing the right design can completely transform the look and feel of your property, adding personality, charm, and value. From casual and rustic to refined and elegant, the materials you select and the way they are installed make all the difference.
5 Beautiful Walkways From Our Professional Landscape Designers
When our landscape designers plan a path through a property, we consider not only how it will be used, but also how it will feel as part of the larger outdoor environment. Below are five types of walkway designs that showcase different levels of formality, durability, and style, each offering unique benefits depending on the setting.
1. Gravel Walkways
Gravel walkways are the least formal option, but they carry a quiet charm that works beautifully in gardens, side yards, or informal spaces where a relaxed atmosphere is preferred. Pea gravel creates a decorative, textured look that crunches pleasantly underfoot, while compacted gravel provides a more stable surface that minimizes mud and erosion. Because gravel tends to migrate without proper boundaries, edging materials such as wood, stone, or metal are often used to keep the path well-defined. This type of walkway is one of the most cost-effective choices and can be dressed up or down depending on the surrounding plantings and the style of edging you select.
2. Stepping Stone Walkways
Stepping stones offer a nice blend of structure and natural appeal. Large square or rectangular flagstone pieces create a clean, geometric look, while irregularly shaped stones can be arranged in ways that feel more organic and free-flowing. Mulch, gravel, or even low-growing groundcover plants can be placed between the stones to soften the design and add visual texture. Because stepping stones can be adjusted to follow the contours of a hill or curve around existing features, they are especially great for sloped landscapes or in areas where you want the path to curve through the landscape.
3. Poured Concrete Walkways
A poured concrete walkway provides both durability and versatility, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want a path that will last for years with very little maintenance. Concrete can be poured in large square panels with spaces in between for mulch or gravel, creating a modern grid-like effect, or it can be shaped into continuous flowing lines that complement the natural curves of a garden. While it may not offer as much inherent texture or color as natural stone, poured concrete can be customized with finishes, stains, or decorative scoring to create visual interest. It’s also highly practical, offering a solid, even surface that is easy to walk on in any weather.
4. Paver Walkways
Paver walkways are a great choice for those who want a balance between beauty, structure, and design flexibility. Pavers are manufactured concrete units that can be laid in countless patterns, from simple running bonds to intricate herringbone or basketweave designs. Because they come in a wide variety of shapes, finishes, and colors, pavers can take on a sleek, contemporary look or a more traditional style that complements historic architecture. Built on a gravel base, pavers are durable, easy to repair if one ever cracks, and offer a refined finish that elevates the look of your property.
5. Mortared Stone or Brick Walkways
At the highest level of durability and formality are dimensional walkways with a poured concrete base and a decorative surface mortared into place on top. Materials like brick, flagstone, travertine, porcelain tile, or even marble can be used to create a surface that is both elegant and permanent. Because the stone or brick is mortared to a solid base, the walkway resists shifting, weeds, and erosion, ensuring that it retains its beauty for decades. This type of walkway is ideal for front entries where you want to make a lasting impression, one that is as beautiful as it is long-lasting.
